Springdale Students Show Projects At Library

Projects To Be On Display Throughout The Month

STAFF PHOTO ANTHONY REYES
Labi Anni and his daughter Susie Anni, 14, look at her project Monday at the Arkansas Studio Project opening at the Springdale Public Library. The project is a literacy program that helps Springdale students who are underserved and low income showcase art projects. The projects will be on display until the end of the month.

Nicholle Pierce said her project and photo about child abuse have inspired her to want to help children as part of her future career. Nicholle, 13, is in seventh grade at J.O. Kelly Middle School and a photo she took of her 6-year-old sister posed under a chair is hanging in the gallery at the Springdale Public Library.

Fast Facts

Literacy In America

Fifteen percent of low income eighth-graders read at a proficient level.

Eighty-five percent of juveniles who have committed crimes have problems with reading.

More than 8 million students in fourth through 12 grade read below grade level.

Three percent of eighth-graders read at an advanced level.

About 40 percent of high school graduates don’t have the literacy skill employers want.

African American and Hispanic twelfth-graders generally read at the same level as eighth-graders.